There has been a great deal of talk in the Japanese media concerning "fly-jin", a play on words for the Japanese expression for foreigners "gaijin." Although it's true the tsunami and on-going tragedy at the Fukushima nuclear plant have caused quite a few foreigners to leave the country and Tokyo specifically, it is also the case that a large number stayed just like the Japanese.
My wife is in Tokyo (well she is Japanese), the majority of my foreign good friends are still in Tokyo, and much of the mass anxiety I observed at the beginning of the catastrophe was the product of genuine fear during a period when very little important information was available. So now that things have calmed down a bit, the most sensible thing we are able to do for Japan is continue to visit, support the relief efforts, and let the world know it is even now a safe country to go to.
There are a lot of attractions and things to do in Tokyo, but as warm weather draws near, and the air con is sure to be in limited supply because of energy cuts, it is time to react just like a local and enjoy a nice cool beer, or two, or three, or….well you understand. I personally will be doing this as I travel to Japan in June. This is not idle advice, but a master plan from a long term resident of Japan.
I was informed recently that apart from bottled water, batteries, and flashlights, the current greatest shortage in Tokyo is beer. Yes, that's right, beer. With the popular producers having their plants in the north their production volume has been affected. But fear not, I always have a strategy when in involves beer. If you happen to be in Tokyo the following are the top spots to indulge in a draft while helping to boost the economy.
The first stop is in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This is the simplest of all the recommendations, if your timing is right, and fits right in with the Japanese practice of hanami, partying underneath the cherry blossoms. Grab a few beers from a convenience store (yup, they all have beer) or from a vending machine (yes, these are available also) and head to your closest park to drink up under the cherry blossoms. For especially lively times I recommend highly Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen or Sumida Park.
If you're worried about the big beer manufactures running out of supplies, don't panic, there is a thriving micro beer market in Japan. In June the Great Japan Beer Festival kicks off at Ebisu Garden Hall. This is your chance to try out around 120 Japanese micro brews. If you don't mind packed places with a ton of beer drinkers (who could dislike that) this is the event for you. There are three sessions organised on June 4 (11.30am-3pm and 4-7.30pm) and June 5 (12-4pm) with entrance tickets costing 500 yen each (about $5).
If you are looking for something slightly less packed where you can sit, it is time to hit one of the scores of beer gardens that open throughout the city in the spring. Let's face it, Tokyo can get very warm in the summer time so I recommend going to the river front to satisfy your thirst. TY Harbor Brewery is directly on the intersection of Tennoz and Shibaura canals and brews superb ales right on location. No need to get worried about lack of beer here. Better still is the knowledge that ten percent of all purchases go to aid kids in the tsunami affected regions.Seems and tastes good to me!
My wife is in Tokyo (well she is Japanese), the majority of my foreign good friends are still in Tokyo, and much of the mass anxiety I observed at the beginning of the catastrophe was the product of genuine fear during a period when very little important information was available. So now that things have calmed down a bit, the most sensible thing we are able to do for Japan is continue to visit, support the relief efforts, and let the world know it is even now a safe country to go to.
There are a lot of attractions and things to do in Tokyo, but as warm weather draws near, and the air con is sure to be in limited supply because of energy cuts, it is time to react just like a local and enjoy a nice cool beer, or two, or three, or….well you understand. I personally will be doing this as I travel to Japan in June. This is not idle advice, but a master plan from a long term resident of Japan.
I was informed recently that apart from bottled water, batteries, and flashlights, the current greatest shortage in Tokyo is beer. Yes, that's right, beer. With the popular producers having their plants in the north their production volume has been affected. But fear not, I always have a strategy when in involves beer. If you happen to be in Tokyo the following are the top spots to indulge in a draft while helping to boost the economy.
The first stop is in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This is the simplest of all the recommendations, if your timing is right, and fits right in with the Japanese practice of hanami, partying underneath the cherry blossoms. Grab a few beers from a convenience store (yup, they all have beer) or from a vending machine (yes, these are available also) and head to your closest park to drink up under the cherry blossoms. For especially lively times I recommend highly Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen or Sumida Park.
If you're worried about the big beer manufactures running out of supplies, don't panic, there is a thriving micro beer market in Japan. In June the Great Japan Beer Festival kicks off at Ebisu Garden Hall. This is your chance to try out around 120 Japanese micro brews. If you don't mind packed places with a ton of beer drinkers (who could dislike that) this is the event for you. There are three sessions organised on June 4 (11.30am-3pm and 4-7.30pm) and June 5 (12-4pm) with entrance tickets costing 500 yen each (about $5).
If you are looking for something slightly less packed where you can sit, it is time to hit one of the scores of beer gardens that open throughout the city in the spring. Let's face it, Tokyo can get very warm in the summer time so I recommend going to the river front to satisfy your thirst. TY Harbor Brewery is directly on the intersection of Tennoz and Shibaura canals and brews superb ales right on location. No need to get worried about lack of beer here. Better still is the knowledge that ten percent of all purchases go to aid kids in the tsunami affected regions.Seems and tastes good to me!
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